CNA Classes & Programs in Opelousas, Louisiana
Get Information from CNA Programs in Opelousas and Nearby
Opelousas offers 4 state-approved CNA classes for individuals seeking a career in healthcare support roles. As one of Louisiana’s notable cities with deep historical roots, Opelousas provides access to several options for aspiring nursing assistants who want quality training close to home.
The city’s CNA programs include both standard courses and at least one free CNA class designed to help students meet Louisiana certification requirements. With a mix of nursing homes and hospitals throughout Opelousas, graduates benefit from proximity to potential employers offering patient care roles across different healthcare settings. Statewide in Louisiana, CNAs earn around $29,070 annually; city-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference point for prospective students.
Free CNA classes are among the offerings here, giving eligible candidates an opportunity to begin their careers without financial barriers while preparing for vital roles within local healthcare environments.
Quick Facts About Opelousas
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Population15,810Residents
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CNA Programs4State-approved Programs
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Median Income$34,271Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$13.98Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$29,070Median Annual Salary
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Facilities7CMS Healthcare Facilities3 Nursing Homes • 2 Hospitals • 2 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Opelousas and Nearby
Schools in Opelousas and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Opelousas
Students in Opelousas can choose from 4 CNA programs, including free training options, that prepare candidates for Louisiana CNA certification. These CNA classes emphasize practical skills needed for state registry placement while equipping students with knowledge relevant to job readiness. Graduates are prepared to enter local healthcare roles where CNAs are valued team members supporting patient care needs throughout Opelousas.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Opelousas through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: not available in Opelousas but are offered in other cities throughout Louisiana.
Online programs not available in Opelousas but are offered in other cities throughout Louisiana.
St. Landry Accelerated Transitional School (SLATS)
Program Details
South Louisiana Community College Opelousas
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Senior Village Nursing And Rehabilitation Center
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Heritage Manor of Opelousas
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Opelousas
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$29,070Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$13.98Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs17,740CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Opelousas are influenced by statewide employment trends, as city-specific data is not available. Across Louisiana, approximately 17,740 certified nursing assistants are employed, reflecting steady demand in communities such as Opelousas. Local graduates typically pursue positions at facilities ranging from skilled nursing centers to hospitals and home health agencies serving diverse patient populations.
Statewide in Louisiana, CNAs earn around $29,070 annually or approximately $13.98 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference point for those considering entering this field through an Opelousas-based program.
CNA job opportunities in Opelousas exist at several prominent healthcare facilities. Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Facility (120 beds), Heritage Manor of Opelousas (109 beds), and Senior Village Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (150 beds) are significant CMS-certified employers in long-term care. Hospitals such as Opelousas General Health System—a voluntary non-profit acute care hospital—and Oceans Behavioral Hospital of Opelousas expand employment options further, alongside reputable home health agencies like Elara Caring and St Landry Homecare.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Opelousas? Fill out one quick form to get program details and start dates from accredited schools in your area.
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Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Opelousas? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Cottonport, Lafayette, Abbeville, Eunice, and Jennings, or browse the Louisiana CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Opelousas (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Opelousas providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Facility Details
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Senior Village Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Opelousas (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Opelousas offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Opelousas General Health System
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Opelousas (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Opelousas providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Opelousas, LA
To work as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Opelousas, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Louisiana. These include completing a Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)–approved Nurse Aide Training Program, passing the state competency evaluation administered by Prometric or the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), and being listed on the Louisiana Certified Nurse Aide Registry (LCNAR).
- At least 80 total hours of training (40 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours in a nursing home or hospital-based skilled nursing facility unit)
- Completion of 16 hours of instruction before any direct resident contact
- Minimum age of 16 years old to enroll as a nurse aide trainee
- Passing both the knowledge test (60 questions, 90 minutes) and the clinical skills evaluation (five nurse aide skills)
- Up to three opportunities within one year of completing training to pass the competency evaluation before retraining is required
- Placement on the Louisiana Certified Nurse Aide Registry (LCNAR) maintained by LDH
Once certified, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and other approved healthcare settings throughout Opelousas and across Louisiana. Certification is valid for two years, and to remain certified you must perform at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services every 24 months in an approved setting, reported to the registry by an employer.
Already certified in another state? Louisiana offers reciprocity for CNAs currently certified and in good standing on another state's registry, without completing Louisiana training or taking the competency evaluation. Reciprocity applications are processed through Prometric, which verifies the application before forwarding it to LDH for placement on the Louisiana registry. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Louisiana guide.
For complete details on training, testing, certification maintenance, and reciprocity, see our full CNA License & Registration in Louisiana guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Opelousas
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Opelousas?
Most CNA programs in Opelousas can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Opelousas?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Opelousas?
Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Opelousas?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Opelousas?
Yes, some schools in Opelousas or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Opelousas there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Cottonport, Lafayette, Abbeville, Eunice, and Jennings. You can also look at the Louisiana state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Louisiana CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Louisiana, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Louisiana CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Opelousas?
CNAs in Opelousas are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.